Four appear in court over Mdantsane killing of boxer Zolani Tete as state opposes bail

Four suspects have appeared in court in connection with the fatal shooting of boxer Zolani Tete, and prosecutors say they will vigorously oppose bail in what they describe as a premeditated killing.

Who has been charged

The accused include alleged hitmen Siphesihle Kolisa (28) and Athandwa Gangala (27), alleged middleman Sinebongo Qase (28) and alleged mastermind Uzuzole Goqwana (22). Goqwana made his first court appearance on 24 August 2026, and the other three appeared in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on 26 August 2026.

Details of the shooting and arrests

The group are charged in connection with the killing of Tete and the attempted murder of his girlfriend. Tete was fatally shot at NU17, Mdantsane, on 21 August 2026.

Police arrested Goqwana on 22 August 2026. Kolisa and Gangala were arrested the following day in Scenery Park in KuGompo City, where police recovered firearms and ammunition. Qase was arrested on 24 August 2026, becoming the fourth accused.

State to oppose bail

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the State alleges the murder was premeditated and falls under the ambit of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act. He said the prosecution will vigorously oppose bail.

Tyali also said Qase and Goqwana are expected to return to the Mdantsane Magistrates’ Court on 1 September 2026 for their formal bail application. Kolisa and Gangala have since abandoned their bail applications.

Reaction from family

Family members voiced their anguish over the killing.

“We do not know why someone would be so heartless,”

relatives said, describing their shock at the loss of the former champion.

Next steps

The formal bail application for Qase and Goqwana has been postponed to 1 September 2026, and the prosecution has indicated it will oppose bail given the seriousness of the charges.